Maggie is a very special lady – her foster parents tell her story best: “She came to us in late December from a puppy mill, and was feeling quite poorly. She had heartworms, which really zapped her energy, and she was very stressed by her move. We tried to interact and play with her but she didn’t seem to know what to do – she would just sit and stare at us. She wouldn’t chase a ball, or look at a stuffed animal; mostly she lay down by our feet and slept. If left alone outside for more than a minute or two, she would begin to panic, constantly looking around as if she thought something bad was going to happen. We felt so very bad for her.”

Well, thanks mostly to Maggie’s foster siblings, Maggie has begun to blossom. She’s especially attached to the leader of the pack, following him pretty much everywhere (she even tries to curl up on the same dog bed, with him even though there’s not any room). Although she apparently spent most of her life with other dogs and having puppies, it’s obvious there was not much socialization for her; she wants to be with other dogs but doesn’t seem to know how to act.

Her energy has come back and she is walking with a whole new bounce to her step!! She has started chasing birds with her big foster brother, although her primary intent seems to be trying to knock him over. She really throws everything into it – it’s kind of like watching dogs play hockey!

It’s become obvious that this girl needs a big brother or sister to be her companion and help her to continue to grow. The presence of a balanced friend has helped her to become more secure. She is no longer panicking when left alone in the yard for short periods and is truly learning how to be a dog. She’s a follower so she won’t compete for pack leader in your house.

Maggie’s forever family will need some patience as she is not very good with some of the basic commands, but she has come a long way. She walks very well on a leash and, depending on distractions around her, does very well off leash. She likes to jog beside you while constantly looking up to make sure she’s doing what you want her to do. She is a lover who will sit by you or curl up with you anywhere, but she won’t get on the furniture unless invited.

Maggie seems to be getting happier by the day. With love and patience she will become a very special member of her forever home. It has been so much fun to watch her grow and change over the last 4 months – imagine what a loving and secure forever family will do for her!